A rendering of Centurion Union’s second and third phases along Stuyvesant Avenue in Union — Courtesy: American Landmark Development
(Editor’s note: This story was updated on July 22 with details about a new model home at Centurion Union.)
By Joshua Burd
Construction is well underway for a planned 75-unit apartment building in Union, the second phase of a project to transform one of the township’s busiest thoroughfares.
American Landmark Development announced last week that it has erected 75 percent of the steel at the new building along Stuyvesant Avenue, while the elevator and stair towers are topped out to the fourth floor. Part of the Centurion Union project, the property has also secured leases for a portion of its 10,000 square feet of retail space, including an anchor lease by Unity Bank.
The developer expects to deliver the second phase in roughly eight months, which would come less than a year after the completion of its first phase. The initial building, which includes 80 luxury apartments, is already 50 percent leased.
“We’re excited to show tangible evidence of our shared vision with Union Township of providing a downtown destination for residents to live, dine and shop,” said Manuel A. Fernandez, founder of American Landmark Development. “With the first phase of apartments completed and already being enjoyed by residents and construction moving along on the second phase, we’re well on our way to breathing new life and energy into Union Center.”
With plans to overhaul Stuyvesant Avenue, the municipality has designated American Landmark Development as the redeveloper of the project area. When complete, the initiative will deliver 300 new homes and some 27,000 square feet of retail space housed in four buildings.
Located at 975 Bonnel Court, Centurion Union’s initial five-story building features 80 luxury apartments and a host of modern amenities. Net-effective monthly rents currently start at $1,825 for one-bedroom units and $2,400 for two-bedroom floorplans with up to two free months, a limited time $50 monthly bonus and a reduced security deposit.
The Marketing Directors is serving as the building’s exclusive marketing and leasing agent and maintained strong leasing velocity thanks in part to a digital presentation. According to a news release, the one-on-one platform leverages video, images, floorplans and other digital tools to fully demonstrate the new lifestyle offering.
The entire Centurion Union project will occupy 724 linear feet along Stuyvesant Avenue, capitalizing on a location with quick access to Interstate 78, Route 22 and the Garden State Parkway.
In a subsequent news release, on July 22, the developer and The Marketing Directors announced that they had opened a new fully furnished model home at the property. The one-bedroom unit features an open floorplan with all of the modern finishes and design elements that each apartment will include.
Prospective renters can now virtually tour the model and the building’s amenities as part of a personal digital presentation.
“The benefits of a furnished and merchandized model home in any leasing program can’t be understated,” said Adrienne Albert, CEO of The Marketing Directors. “Despite the unique restrictions that have been in place, we’ve leased 85 percent of the building’s 80 apartments, thanks in large measure to our ability to demonstrate the living spaces through our first model home. We’re excited to now introduce a new model residence that provides a fresh perspective on the style, comfort and functionality of these homes.”
Leasing teams turn to virtual tours, platforms to lure renters during stay-at-home order
